September 8: Bringing Salvation

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. (Acts 13:45-48)

If you haven’t noticed I’ve gone backward a bit. Just a few verses mind you – but backward all the same. Its not that I didn’t see these verses last week, its just that maybe on some level I was avoiding them… that’s right, I love difficult and challenging scripture lessons but I’m as prone as the next person to want to skip or gloss over some texts.

This text is like a gold mine (silver, diamonds and maybe even some oil too) of phrases for a theology of salvation. Whatever you are prone to want to understand about how salvation works, what it is, and why it matters – you’ll find what you want to see here! Step right up… salvation theologies are on a sale: 2 for dollar!

There is rejection, judgment, eternal life… light and salvation (and of course the ends of the earth… wherever those may be). There is jealousy and praise, Jews and Gentiles… and of course there is even the word of all words: “destined”. (It’s just asking for the prefix “pre” to be added.)

So what is it that I don’t like about this text… well I don’t like the free for all we might make of these “gold mine texts” that might just as well be a mine field of conceit. As soon as we think we understand salvation (that’s the conceit part) we are bound to start profaning the gospel. So I’m hesitant to even touch the word “destined” and turn it into any kind of support for the doctrine of predestination. I wish to take care of what we think it means to “bring salvation” as if it is ours to parcel out. For that we ought to recall how the author (Luke) and subject (Paul and Barnabas) go about their ministry.

And in keeping with that thought I’ll tell you what I do think is important to take from this text. When Paul “brings salvation” it isn’t to his glory (he doesn’t stick around to feed his ego… but moves on – apparently to the ends of the earth). Paul “brings salvation” boasting only of the cross of Christ and only to the glory of God. Paul doesn’t pick and choose who he gives his message to, it’s for all people. In fact that is the foundation of Paul’s calling, to take the gospel to those who had been deemed “outsiders”. Paul also doesn’t spend time telling people whether they really received salvation or not. In fact, one of the most interesting comments this text makes is, “Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life.”

The only judgment about worthiness for salvation is self-judgment. Whether or not we are saved (it appears from this text) is a matter of whether or not we allow ourselves to receive the gift (freely given by God and pointed out to us by the people around us… fellow disciples and apostles on their journey).

So the Jews (in this particular time and place) choose jealousy… and the Gentiles choose joy and praise. And the responsibility of those who have chosen joy and praise is go forth as light shining in the world that is too often darkened by jealousy and spite. The light we shine in the life of the world is to reveal to all around us one thing: the gospel… the good news that salvation is theirs as well – if they are willing to allow themselves to receive it!

Salvation is a gift – God’s gift.

Salvation is for all – all those who allow themselves to accept it in joy.

Salvation is revealed throughout the world (to the ends of the earth) and it is our responsibility to help people see it by making our lives be light in the darkness, pointing to Christ and the gift of salvation.

Have you allowed yourself to receive the gift of salvation?

Do you choose joy and praise?

Are you a living as light in the world helping others find God’s gift?

Saving God,
Help us to want to be healed by your gift of salvation. Lead us to joy and praise and enable us to bear your light into the world helping each other to live into the gifts you have given us. Amen.